Text: 1 Tim 1:1-2
Timothy was sent by Paul to pastor the Ephesian church. As he faced certain church problems, Paul sent him this epistle to encourage him.
1. Grace, mercy and peace determines our calling: Apostle Paul wanted Timothy never to forget God’s grace, mercy and peace. Grace is when God blesses us when we do not deserve it. Mercy is when God withholds His punishment from us. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we can have peace with God, a peace that is not dependent on our situations. When we forget that we have peace with God, difficulties in our life will overwhelm us and lead us to self-pity. And it is because of God’s grace, mercy and peace, that Paul was called to be an Apostle (v 1). God is the One who determined his calling. Every Christian is called to serve God with his life. Our calling into salvation is also by God’s grace, mercy and peace. Do not be intimidated by anyone. And do not allow pride (“God needs me”) to come in. Be thankful to God for His calling you into salvation. Do not compare or compete. Just serve Him faithfully. Once redeemed, we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of the Most High. We must be steadfast, unmovable (1 Cor 15:58).
2. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our hope: The Christian’s hope is not wishful thinking. The hope that the Bible speaks of is based upon a sure future. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we are saved and can have peace with Him. This is the foundation of our hope. Jesus’ salvific work is completed when He uttered “It is finished” on the cross. But the work of salvation in us is not finished until we receive our glorified body. Glorification is our hope. It will take place when Jesus returns. This hope gives us the correct perspective that this world is not our home. When we forget this, we will live like the world, and forget to serve God. Do not waste this life that God has given you. Serve Him.
3. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our spiritual fruit (v 2): Timothy was Paul’s spiritual fruit. Our life can have an impact on those around us and it is by God’s grace, mercy and peace, not of our own doing. It is so easy to be proud. When we remember God’s grace and mercy, we can only thank the Lord that He even wants to use us!
Thank God for the peace that we have. We may face difficulties, but these cannot touch the peace that we have with God. Be faithful in your calling, all because of His grace, mercy and peace.
1. Grace, mercy and peace determines our calling: Apostle Paul wanted Timothy never to forget God’s grace, mercy and peace. Grace is when God blesses us when we do not deserve it. Mercy is when God withholds His punishment from us. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we can have peace with God, a peace that is not dependent on our situations. When we forget that we have peace with God, difficulties in our life will overwhelm us and lead us to self-pity. And it is because of God’s grace, mercy and peace, that Paul was called to be an Apostle (v 1). God is the One who determined his calling. Every Christian is called to serve God with his life. Our calling into salvation is also by God’s grace, mercy and peace. Do not be intimidated by anyone. And do not allow pride (“God needs me”) to come in. Be thankful to God for His calling you into salvation. Do not compare or compete. Just serve Him faithfully. Once redeemed, we are no longer slaves to sin, but servants of the Most High. We must be steadfast, unmovable (1 Cor 15:58).
2. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our hope: The Christian’s hope is not wishful thinking. The hope that the Bible speaks of is based upon a sure future. Because of God’s grace and mercy, we are saved and can have peace with Him. This is the foundation of our hope. Jesus’ salvific work is completed when He uttered “It is finished” on the cross. But the work of salvation in us is not finished until we receive our glorified body. Glorification is our hope. It will take place when Jesus returns. This hope gives us the correct perspective that this world is not our home. When we forget this, we will live like the world, and forget to serve God. Do not waste this life that God has given you. Serve Him.
3. Grace, mercy and peace is the foundation of our spiritual fruit (v 2): Timothy was Paul’s spiritual fruit. Our life can have an impact on those around us and it is by God’s grace, mercy and peace, not of our own doing. It is so easy to be proud. When we remember God’s grace and mercy, we can only thank the Lord that He even wants to use us!
Thank God for the peace that we have. We may face difficulties, but these cannot touch the peace that we have with God. Be faithful in your calling, all because of His grace, mercy and peace.
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